Liberato Cacace – 7
Another adventurous performance from the precocious wing back, complete with an audacious nutmeg in the second half. Exploited Victory’s lack of width in the first half, although he was forced deeper in the second.

Alex Rufer – 7
Very good in the first half, getting on the ball and playing forwards quickly when the frequent counter attacking opportunities presented themselves. His influence waned in the second as his side sunk deeper and deeper.

Mandi Sosa – 7.5
Played as if he had a debt to repay to the team following his red card against Adelaide. Calm on the ball and combative off it. Some glorious gamesmanship on display when he and fellow Spaniard Baena clashed late in the match, and both went down simultaneously with apparent injury.

Sarpreet Singh – 8
Slide-rule pass for Fenton in the build-up to Williams’s goal. In Rudan’s system, his role is probably to most demanding – pressing high up the park and dropping back to provide an extra number in midfield when the opposition plays through the first line of pressure, all while being the side’s creative fulcrum. The Kiwi wonderkid is delivering on all fronts, and his fleet-footed performance tonight was a joy to behold.

Roy Krishna – 8
Used all of his experience and wiles to win a penalty from Hope, and stepped up himself to slam it straight down the middle of the goal. Was first to a Thomas parry shortly thereafter, doubling his tally and equalling Esala Masi as the highest scoring Fijian in the Australian top flight.

David Williams – 7.5
Right place at the right time to tuck home the equaliser after an excellent low cross from Fenton. Tested Thomas from long range before Krishna mopped up the rebound. Replaced on the hour mark after picking up a knock, and the Victory defence was glad to see the back of him.

Subs:
Cillian Sheridan – 6.5
Physical presence and a focal point upfront, when most of the action was down the other end. Nearly through on goal but for a superb tackle from Deng. Victory seemed a little more comfortable dealing with him than Williams, the man he replaced.

Dylan Fox – N/A
Not given enough time to receive a rating, but did make an error for Barbarouses’s goal.

Michal Kopczynski – N/A
Came on late as Rudan tried to cling onto the lead. Unfortunately, Victory were level just two minutes later.